Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Johnson, Rachell
Title:
Program Manager, SCATP
Phone:
803-935-5301
E-mail:
rachell.johnson@uscmed.sc.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
Certifying Representative
Name (last, first):
Denise White
Title:
Associate Director, Sponsored Awards Management
Phone:
803-777-5262
E-mail:
whitedt@mailbox.sc.edu
State Financing
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?
Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?
No
B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services
1. Overview of Activities Performed
How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan?
0
C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost
1. Overview of Activities Performed
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan?
1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?
AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
County of Residence
Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)
137
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)
16
C. Total Served
153
Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure
0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures
153
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service
Number Provided
Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price
Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold
Savings to Consumers
Vision
0
$0
$0
$0
Hearing
0
$0
$0
$0
Speech communication
119
$9,288
$0
$9,288
Learning, cognition, and developmental
44
$2,200
$396
$1,804
Mobility, seating and positioning
0
$0
$0
$0
Daily living
0
$0
$0
$0
Environmental adaptations
0
$0
$0
$0
Vehicle modification and transportation
0
$0
$0
$0
Computers and related
0
$0
$0
$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure
108
$8,425
$1,026
$7,399
Total
271
$19,913
$1,422
$18,491
D. Anecdote
In November 2024, SCATP conducted its 6th annual Adapted Toy Workshop, a two-day hands-on AT fabrication initiative that increased access to affordable, customized assistive technology for children with disabilities. In partnership with a local high school innovation center’s 3D printing and design program (R2I2), families, service providers, and educators received instruction on toy adaptation, while students supported fabrication stations and produced two types of 3D-printed switches used to operate the toys. Through this initiative, 90 toys were adapted, resulting in an estimated cost savings of $6,252 and expanded access to play-based assistive technology.
In April 2025, SCATP hosted its 3rd annual Adapted Book Workshop, a two-day AT fabrication activity focused on inclusive literacy access. Participants learned to create flexible adapted book kits designed for use by children with a range of disabilities, addressing limitations of traditional single-disability adaptations. SCATP staff provided hands-on instruction using two children’s books selected for tactile adaptation potential and alignment with a state museum’s Accessibility Morning program and a vendor’s literacy planner. The workshop resulted in 44 adapted book kits, generating an estimated cost savings of $1,804 while increasing participant capacity to fabricate inclusive assistive technology solutions.
In March 2025, during the 33rd annual Assistive Technology Expo, SCATP launched its first annual Makers Space within the vendor hall to expand hands-on access to assistive technology fabrication. SCATP partnered with a local high school innovation center’s 3D printing and design program (R2I2), along with volunteer support and sponsorship from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, to deliver this interactive experience. The 2025 Makers Space focused on PVC-based fabrication, enabling participants to create 101 customized assistive technology devices, including tablet holders, eye-gaze frame boards, and a sentence-making tool. This initiative increased participant capacity to design and fabricate low-cost, functional AT solutions that support communication, access, and independence.
E. Performance Measures
Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
22
00
00
22
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
131
00
00
131
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
00
00
00
00
4. Subtotal
153
00
00
153
5. None of the above
00
00
00
00
6. Subtotal
153
00
00
153
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
153
00
00
153
9. Performance on this measure
100%
NaN%
NaN%
F. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
153
100%
Satisfied
00
0%
Satisfied somewhat
00
0%
Not at all satisfied
00
0%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total Surveyed
153
Response rate %
100%
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
Activity
Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange
03
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan
136
C. Total
139
Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients.
06
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures
133
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
6 clients were excluded from the performance measure due to involvement of school under IDEA, nursing home under Medicaid, and being a VR client. These entities are obligated to provide AT.
B. Device Exchange Activities
Device Exchange
Type of AT Device
Number of Devices Exchanged
Total Estimated Current Purchase Price
Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged
Savings to Consumers
Vision
00
$0
$0
$0
Hearing
00
$0
$0
$0
Speech Communication
00
$0
$0
$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
00
$0
$0
$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
02
$4,241
$0
$4,241
Daily Living
00
$0
$0
$0
Environmental Adaptations
00
$0
$0
$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation
01
$20,000
$6,000
$14,000
Computers and Related
00
$0
$0
$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
00
$0
$0
$0
Total
03
$24,241
$6,000
$18,241
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device
Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired
Total Estimated Current Purchase Price
Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold
Savings to Consumers
Vision
03
$3,236
$0
$3,236
Hearing
00
$0
$0
$0
Speech Communication
04
$2,778
$0
$2,778
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
04
$560
$0
$560
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
189
$190,923
$0
$190,923
Daily Living
70
$8,327
$0
$8,327
Environmental Adaptations
00
$0
$0
$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation
00
$0
$0
$0
Computers and Related
01
$1,100
$0
$1,100
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
02
$5,185
$0
$5,185
Total
273
$212,109
$0
$212,109
D. Anecdote
A family caregiver contacted the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) seeking immediate assistance for her 83-year-old grandmother, who had low vision, was hard of hearing, and used a wheelchair. Through SCATP’s Assistive Technology Reuse program, the caregiver received gently used durable medical equipment—including a bath seat, bedside commode, and wheelchair—at no cost. Access to these devices addressed an immediate unmet need, improved safety and daily functioning, and avoided hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses not covered by private insurance.
In addition to device provision, SCATP staff delivered individualized assistance by answering questions and connecting the caregiver to additional borrowing and reuse options as needs evolved. Following the grandmother’s passing, the caregiver returned the equipment to SCATP so it could be redistributed, extending the useful life of the devices and supporting program sustainability. This experience demonstrates how SCATP’s Reuse services increase access to assistive technology, generate cost savings, promote efficient use of resources, and support families who might otherwise lack access to essential assistive devices.
E. Performance Measures
Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
05
00
88
93
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
00
00
04
04
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
04
00
19
23
4. Subtotal
09
00
111
120
5. None of the above
00
00
13
13
6. Subtotal
09
00
124
133
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
09
00
124
133
9. Performance on this measure
100%
NaN%
89.52%
F. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
136
97.84%
Satisfied
03
2.16%
Satisfied somewhat
00
0%
Not at all satisfied
00
0%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total Surveyed
139
Response rate %
100%
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan
Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation)
116
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding
05
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation
04
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity
04
Total
129
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity
Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making
All other Purposes
Total
Individuals with Disabilities
31
02
33
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives
51
06
57
Representative of Education
18
01
19
Representative of Employment
00
00
00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation
13
03
16
Representatives of Community Living
03
01
04
Representatives of Technology
00
00
00
Total
116
13
129
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days
30
D. Types of Devices Loaned
Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device
Number of Devices
Desicion-making
All other Purposes
Total
Vision
32
02
34
Hearing
00
00
00
Speech Communication
71
06
77
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
15
01
16
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
06
02
08
Daily Living
17
22
39
Environmental Adaptations
01
02
03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation
01
00
01
Computers and Related
13
00
13
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
04
01
05
Total
160
36
196
E. Anecdote
Christian is a 15-year-old student who was referred to the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) during a re-evaluation of his augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs by his educational services team. Through SCATP’s device demonstration and loan programs, Christian was able to trial multiple AAC devices and access methods, including eye-gaze technology, to identify the most effective communication solution. Christian and his family also expanded their knowledge of AAC devices and switch options through SCATP loaner program, webinars, and Expo events.
As a result of SCATP’s individualized support, Christian is now using his personal AAC device more effectively with both eye-gaze and switch access. Most recently, SCATP’s loan program enabled the family to borrow a floor stand mount essential for effective use of the device during speech therapy sessions. The family continues to rely on SCATP’s device loan services and reports increased confidence and success in supporting Christian’s communication needs.
F. Access Performance Measures
Access Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs
53
01
36
90
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs
02
00
05
07
Subtotal
55
01
41
97
Have not made a decision
15
00
04
19
Subtotal
70
01
45
116
Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
Total
70
01
45
116
Performance on this measure
78.57%
100%
91.11%
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
Acquisition Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
00
00
01
01
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
02
00
00
02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
05
01
04
10
4. Subtotal
07
01
05
13
5. None of the above
00
00
00
00
6. Subtotal
07
01
05
13
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
07
01
05
13
9. Performance on this measure
100%
100%
100%
H. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
118
91.47%
Satisfied
09
6.98%
Satisfied somewhat
01
0.78%
Not at all satisfied
01
0.78%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total Surveyed
129
Response rate %
100%
I. Notes:
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
Type of AT Device / Service
Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision
35
Hearing
04
Speech Communication
145
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
18
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
00
Daily Living
07
Environmental Adaptations
05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation
00
Computers and Related
30
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
00
Total # of Device Demonstrations
244
B. Types of Participants
Type of Participant
Decision-Makers
Other Participants
Total
Individuals with Disabilities
193
03
196
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives
04
158
162
Representatives of Education
03
65
68
Representatives of Employment
02
12
14
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation
30
187
217
Representative of Community Living
11
136
147
Representative of Technology
01
21
22
Total
244
582
826
C. Number of Referrals
Referrals
Type of Entity
Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)
197
Service Provider
59
Vendor
237
Repair Service
05
Others
06
Total
504
D. Anecdote
Laura, a resident of NHC Mauldin Retirement and Assisted Living, experienced increasing difficulty communicating with her family due to challenges associated with her Parkinson’s COPA diagnosis. To address this unmet need, Laura’s daughter contacted the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) seeking guidance.
Through SCATP’s device demonstration services, the Program Director provided an in-person demonstration of multiple communication applications that support text-based and speech-generating communication. This hands-on experience enabled Laura to compare options, actively participate in decision-making, and identify the application that best met her functional communication needs.
Following the demonstration, SCATP provided individualized assistance to increase access to assistive technology, working with Laura’s daughter to explore device acquisition options. With SCATP’s guidance, the family successfully applied to the Amplify Life program through the South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program (SCEDP). As a result, Laura received an iPad equipped with her selected communication application at no cost. This outcome reflects the effectiveness of SCATP’s device demonstration services in supporting informed decision-making, access to appropriate technology, and successful acquisition, resulting in improved communication, increased social connection, and enhanced participation in daily life.
E. Performance Measures
Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs
110
07
95
212
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs
00
00
01
01
Subtotal
110
07
96
213
Have not made a decision
09
06
16
31
Subtotal
119
13
112
244
Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
Total
119
13
112
244
Performance on this measure
92.44%
53.85%
85.71%
F. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
814
98.55%
Satisfied
12
1.45%
Satisfied somewhat
00
0%
Not at all satisfied
00
0%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total
826
Response rate %
100%
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
Acquisition Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
27
00
89
116
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
133
00
04
137
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
09
01
23
33
4. Subtotal
169
01
116
286
5. None of the above
00
00
13
13
6. Subtotal
169
01
129
299
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
169
01
129
299
9. Performance on this measure
94.67%
0%
72.09%
84.62%
ACL Performance Measure
85%
Met/Not Met
Not Met
Overall Access Performance Measure
Access Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs
163
08
131
302
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs
02
00
06
08
Subtotal
165
08
137
310
Have not made a decision
24
06
20
50
Subtotal
189
14
157
360
Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
Total
189
14
157
360
Performance on this measure
87.3%
57.14%
87.26%
86.11%
ACL Performance Measure
90%
Met/Not Met
Not Met
Overall Satisfaction Rating
Customer Rating of Services
Percent
ACL Target
Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied
99.84%
95%
Met
Response Rate
100%
90%
Met
Educational/Training Activities
A. Educational/Training Activity Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
Educational/Training Activities by Participant Type
Type of Participant
Number
Individuals with Disabilities
260
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives
282
Representatives of Education
880
Representatives of Employment
252
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation
448
Representatives of Community Living
286
Representatives of Technology
39
Unable to Categorize
00
TOTAL
2,447
Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro
Non Metro
Unknown
TOTAL
2,068
374
05
2,447
B. Educational/Training Activity Topics
Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities
Participants
AT Products/Services
1,657
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice
100
Combination of any/all of the above
641
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access
43
Transition
06
Total
2,447
C. Description of Educational/Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance educational/training activity conducted during the reporting period:
The SC Assistive Technology Program collaborated with the State Department of Education’s (SCDOE) Assistive Technology staff member to host the 7th annual Assistive Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC). The SCATP program director collaborated with a national level speaker from the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), a national nonprofit organization that specializes in applied special technologies and universal design for learning. This training day consisted of three 1-hour presentations, and 3 breakout group discussions with real-time collaboration. There were nearly 80 in attendance for the morning session from representing multiple counties and school districts in SC. The sessions targeted specifically the federal guidance on Assistive Technology issued in January of 2024 and accessibility. The session speakers shared aspects of implementing assistive technology and valuable resources for school district assistive technology teams working with individuals with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. The attendance for those who attended the full day of educational activities was 63 participants who increased their knowledge of assistive technology and accessibility because of attending this training event.
Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
An SCATP team member is an active member of the interagency team for the state's Youth Transition Forum (YLF) assisting in organizing and planning the training and educational activities for the multi-day event and conducts one of the training sessions for AT in employment. For the event held during this reporting, the SCATP Program Director presented an interactive session at YLF assisting 20 attendees to understand AT as it relates to independence and employment goals.
Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
A presentation on accessibility was made available and advertised statewide to all attendees at the state’s AT Expo in March of 2025. SCATP partnered with the SC State Department of Education (SCDOE) to put on the education session entitled: The Americans with Disabilities Act Updated Digital Requirements. The session addressed the fact that many people access services, activities and programs provided by state and local governments digitally through websites, and more importantly the digital content they are accessing must be accessible to all. In this presentation, the discussion focused on the updated ADA digital requirements. The 39 Attendees were able to view examples of accessible vs. inaccessible digital content and explore resources available to facilitate accessible digital content.
D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received
Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies
40
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented
03
No known outcome at this time
00
Nonrespondent
00
Total
43
Performance Measure Percentage
100%
ACL Target Percentage
70%
Met/Not Met
Met
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education
54%
Employment
01%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation
09%
Community Living
31%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)
05%
Total
100%
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The SCATP program director is an active serving on the state’s interagency Tech First Team in a leadership role. During this reporting period, the team was able to get the state of SC to pass a resolution making SC a Tech First state. While the initiative, at first only included the words “enabling technology”, under the education and leadership guidance from the SCATP program director, “assistive technology” wording and definitions were added to the resolution, which was passed and fully adopted by both the senate and house representatives in April 2025. In addition to those key definitions, other key elements of the resolution include:
1.Recognizing technology as a critical part of service delivery for individuals with disabilities.
2.Encouraging collaboration across state agencies, providers, and technology developers.
3.Promoting training and education for providers, families, and individuals to increase tech literacy and adoption.
4.Supporting workforce development thro
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Two SCATP team members are active members of the South Carolina Endeavors for Transition Resources and Interagency Collaboration (SCENTRIC) team meeting monthly. The mission of SCENTRIC is to ensure students with disabilities in South Carolina are prepared for independent living and employment by focusing on providing resources, addressing the needs of interagency teams, and building capacity through collaboration. The SCATP program director serves as member of the Leadership Team for SCENTRIC and leads the Outreach and Training subcommittee. The program director also, attended the national 2025 Capacity Building Institute (CBI), hosted by the Collaborative's National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT:C) as part of a delegation of SC transition leadership team. Another SCATP staff member has served as a subcommittee member for different subcommittees for SCENTRIC during this reporting period.
C. Notes:
Public Awareness
Public Awareness Activities
Public Awareness Narratives
Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight
the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types
of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide
those: however, quantative data is not required.
1. The South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo is a long-standing, highly anticipated public awareness initiative that has served South Carolinians for over three decades. Now in its 33rd year, the Expo increases statewide knowledge of assistive technology and access to related services by providing individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and professionals the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, evidence-based solutions, and practical applications that support independence and community participation. In 2025, the Expo featured 12 educational training sessions addressing current assistive technology issues, service delivery, and real-world integration. A total of 870 individuals attended, and 95% of participants reported increased awareness of assistive technology issues and available resources, demonstrating the Expo’s sustained impact in expanding access to information, strengthening service connections, and supporting informed decision-making.
2. During the reporting period, SCATP program staff implemented targeted community outreach through exhibits and participation in state-level events and conferences to expand awareness of assistive technology and SCATP services. These direct, face-to-face public awareness activities reached more than 1,800 South Carolinians and resulted in the distribution of over 2,700 assistive technology informational materials, including brochures and flyers. As a direct outcome of these efforts, SCATP experienced increased demand for services, reflected in higher referral rates, growth in listserv membership, and increased participation in training and educational opportunities statewide.
Information And Assistance
Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients
AT Device/ Service
AT Funding
Total
Individuals with Disabilities
149
75
224
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives
158
56
214
Representative of Education
186
27
213
Representative of Employment
07
01
08
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation
187
63
250
Representative of Community Living
131
29
160
Representative of Technology
51
05
56
Unable to Categorize
01
00
01
Total
870
256
1,126
Referral Types:
SCATP is a resource for the SC Department of Education, Hospitals, clinics, and residential healthcare facilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and the SC Department on Aging as we provide several outreach opportunities and continuing educational hours for these professionals such as our monthly assistive technology webinar series; yearly adapted toy and book workshops; statewide AT Expo; and AT Leadership Conference offered in partnership with the SC State Department of Education. SCATP has also been a resource providing assistance to the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), now known as the SC Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD-OIDD), and has partnered with BHDD-OIDD to bring an 2-part workshop series on AT for communication to 4 BHDD-OIDD regions in the state which increased the number of referrals and AT awareness. 18% of our referrals come from health care agencies, 15% of our referrals come from education agencies, and 8% come from CIL(s). Over 12% of our referrals come from our state AT website and online outreach, such as our listserv that has over 6800 subscribers.
Referral Sources:
SCATP is a resource for families, educators, health care professionals, staff of Centers for Independent Living (CILs), staff of the SC Department on Aging, and staff of the SC Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD-OIDD) as we provide several outreach opportunities and continuing educational hours for these professionals such as our monthly assistive technology webinar series; yearly adapted toy and book workshops; statewide AT Expo; and AT Leadership Conference offered in partnership with the SC State Department of Education. SCATP has BHDD-OIDD to provide customized training specific to their needs to increase staff knowledge and awareness of AT for communication. This has increased our number of referrals by those providers. 65% of our referrals come from providers; 20% of our referrals come from public awareness and other community outreach activities; and 14% of our referrals come from past AT Program consumers.
Notes:
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
Yes
Yes
The SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) collaborated with the State Department of Education’s (SCDOE) Assistive Technology staff member to host the 7th annual Assistive Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) with the theme of the conference being a deep dive into the Federal AT Guidance. SCATP staff met with the SCDOE staff member 2-3 times per month for 6 months prior to the event to collaborate on the organization and planning of the event and educational sessions. There were 80 educators who attended the first half of the conference and 63 educators who attended all day. This initiative was funded by a grant received from the SC Developmental Disabilities Council.
100% of those completing the survey commented that their knowledge and awareness of both AT and accessibility was increased. This is an annual event, and the partnership will continue, provided funding and resources are available. To replicate this initiative, programs should make allowance for the 6 months (or more) of planning time, to ensure the success of the program and to meet the AT awareness needs of the audience.
N/A; currently our URLs are removed from the webpage (taken down) post event.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
SCATP and the SC Voc Rehab partners together on the state's interagency South Carolina Endeavors for Transition Resources and Interagency Collaboration (SCENTRIC) team. Together, our organizations have leadership roles in this initiative. We also assist with planning educational activities for the state's transition conference. There is no additional funding to implement this initiative.
As a result of this collaborative effort, we have been able to meet some of our state's transition goals for training and outreach. One of the needs identified and addressed is that within our interagency team, key roles, players, and organizations needed to have increased awareness of their programs and services even amongst our team. We accomplished this goal by providing monthly 15-minute webinars highlighting the agencies, which in turn increased awareness of the SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) and access to AT services. This initiative takes a lot of work, planning, and subcommittees to implement it in your state. A program needs at least two dedicated team members to serve, and to attend national level transition conferences to help set state goals.
https://transitionalliancesc.org/partner-agencies
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education, Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
No
There have been no new funding opportunities for past partnership collaboration such as social isolation projects; however, we will continue to search for new collaborative partnerships with area agencies on aging.
Yes
Yes
Collaboration meetings began between BabyNet, a birth to 3 services funded with through the Department of Health and Human Services, Healthy Connections Medicaid in SC. The collaboration meetings thus far have centered around creating a new partnership between these organizations to fund communication devices using Medicaid dollars for the birth to 3 population with SCATP serving as the implementing agency for the program responsible for using the funding to provide devices and education to BabyNet providers and families receiving the service.
As a result of this new partnership, this new AAC program will be formalized into action in early 2026. During this current reporting period, AT awareness was increased by the collaborative team meetings in which SCATP was able to provide education surrounding AT for communication, device loan programs, and training on procurement of AT. As a direct result of this education, the partnership was formed and is in the final stages of planning.
https://www.scdhhs.gov/
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education, Community Participation and Integration, Health,
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities
0
Overview of State Improvement Activities
State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting?
00
Additional And Leveraged Funds
Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report?
Yes
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
Fund Source
Amount
Use of Funds
Data Reported
Private
$41,556
Public Awareness, I&A
True
Public/State Agency
$13,500
Training
True
Amount: $55,056
For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award
All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplemental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the number of positions within the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document below the cumulative status of these funds, FY22 through FY25, as a final closeout report.
Please report the total amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) from FY22 through FY25:
|
$80,000.00
Please check all position types that were supported with these funds over the period of FY22-25. This can be a direct employee or contractual position.
Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.
During FY 22-25, Able SC, with support from the SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP), has advanced health equity for South Carolina’s disability community. The public health team engaged key stakeholders, including the US Department of Health and Human Services, healthcare providers, community advocates, and public health organizations, through training, outreach programs, assistive technology reuse, partnerships, and coalition meetings. This work has improved emergency preparedness, increased vaccine access for people with disabilities, and led to meaningful changes in healthcare systems. Strong relationships with community and state partners have expanded resources and built a lasting framework for disability-inclusive health services.
C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).